“Raging Bull” (1980) directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert DeNiro, Cathy Moriarty and Joe Pesci / Z-View
Raging Bull (1980)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Screenplay: Paul Schrader, Mardik Martin; based on RAGING BULL: MY STORY by Jake LaMotta, Joseph Carter, Peter Savage
Stars: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent, Nicholas Colasanto, Theresa Saldana, Mario Gallo, Frank Adonis, Bernie Allen and Charles Scorsese.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
The rise and fall of former middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta. LaMotta was known as the Raging Bull because of his quick temper and violence in the ring. Sadly out of the ring, he was just as fast to fly into a rage and get physical with his family and friends. Life is hard on everyone when you’re your own worst enemy.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Raging Bull was nominated for eight 1981 Academy Awards and won two…
- Nominee for Best Picture – Irwin Winkler, Robert Chartoff
- Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Joe Pesci
- Nominee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Cathy Moriarty
- Nominee for Best Director – Martin Scorsese
- Nominee for Best Cinematography – Michael Chapman
- Nominee for Best Sound – Donald O. Mitchell, Bill Nicholson, David J. Kimball, Les Lazarowitz
- Winner for Best Film Editing – Thelma Schoonmaker
- Winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Robert De Niro
Robert DeNiro worked for over four years to convince Martin Scorsese to make Raging Bull. Scorsese was coming off New York, New York, which had failed to live up to expectations, and a cocaine overdose. Although he didn’t like sports movies, Scorsese gave in. The movie revitalized Scorsese’s career and shot DeNiro to superstardom.
DeNiro gained sixty pounds to play LaMotta in later life. They shot the early scenes and then shut down production for a four months to give DeNiro time to add the weight.
Jake LaMotta gave his autobiography to Robert DeNiro with an inscription saying DeNiro was the only actor to play him. When the film was made LaMotta was often on the set.
Raging Bull features Cathy Moriarty’s film debut.
John Turturro makes his film debut as the man at table at Webster Hall.
When Jake LaMotta saw the finished film, he asked his former wife, Vickie LaMotta, if he was really that bad. ‘Worse” she replied. And he really was. The movie just touches on some of the worst aspects of his life.
Raging Bull (1980) rates 5 of 5 stars